The European Union and Brazil are establishing a strategic partnership on critical minerals, with the EU assisting Brazil in developing local rare earth processing capabilities in exchange for stable mineral supplies. EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Sikela recently visited Australian mining company Viridis' rare earth research and processing center in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, emphasizing that Brazil is the EU's most important strategic partner in Latin America. The cooperation focuses on sustainable business models and local rare earth processing to help Brazil transition from low-profit raw material exports to high-value processed mineral exports, according to a Reuters report. This initiative comes as Western countries seek to reduce dependence on China, currently the world's largest rare earth producer, with Sikela stating the EU's strategic goal is to reduce 'excessive dependence' on global supply chains following the pandemic and Ukraine war.
EU Commissioner Sikela Visits Viridis Rare Earth Facility in Brazil
EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Sikela visited Viridis' rare earth research and processing center in Minas Gerais state. Sikela stated that Brazil is the EU's most important strategic partner in Latin America. The cooperation will focus on sustainable business models and local rare earth processing, helping Brazil transition from being a low-profit raw material exporter to a high-value processed mineral exporter.
![EU-Brazil Critical Minerals Partnership]()
Viridis Negotiates Agreement with Solvay by July End
Viridis CEO Rafael Moreno stated that negotiations with the EU have entered the late stage. The company expects to finalize a cooperation agreement with Belgian chemical company Solvay by the end of July at the earliest.
EU Plans Cooperation Expansion to Nickel and Lithium
The EU plans to expand the cooperation scope to other critical minerals in Brazil, including nickel and lithium. The EU is negotiating with the Brazilian government to sign a memorandum of understanding to secure critical resources needed for future green energy transition.
![EU-Brazil Mineral Cooperation]()
FAQ
What did the EU and Brazil agree to cooperate on?
The EU and Brazil are establishing a strategic partnership on critical minerals. The EU will assist Brazil in developing local rare earth processing capabilities in exchange for stable mineral supplies. The cooperation focuses on sustainable business models and helping Brazil transition from raw material exports to processed mineral exports.
When will Viridis finalize its agreement with Solvay?
According to Viridis CEO Rafael Moreno, negotiations with the EU are in the late stage, and the company expects to finalize a cooperation agreement with Belgian chemical company Solvay by the end of July at the earliest.
Why is the EU seeking this partnership with Brazil?
EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Sikela stated the EU's strategic goal is to reduce 'excessive dependence' on global supply chains following the impacts of the pandemic and Ukraine war. This partnership aims to reduce reliance on China, currently the world's largest rare earth producer, for critical minerals essential to electric vehicles and defense systems.
